Vapin’ It Up: Here’s How Vaporizers Work
Photo by Quinten de Graaf
Did you recently join the vaping revolution, or are you planning to give it a try anytime soon? Vaping continues to gain momentum, especially in the United States.
Studies reveal that the number of vape users in the country continues to rise. Moreover, vaping appeals highly among young people.
As a newbie, you want to have the best possible experience with your vaporizers.
However, the question is do you know how your vape pen works? One of the best ways to appreciate dry herb vaporizers and vape pens is to understand their science.
Continue reading below as we give you a lowdown on vaporizers
The Vital Parts of Vaporizers
Whether you use a Davinci IQ2 Vaporizer or Sneaky Pete Vaporizers, one thing is certain: there are vital parts that make them work. Let’s take a closer look at the essential parts that make vaporizers tick.
The Tank
The tank or “cartridge,” as others would call it, is the part that stores the e-liquid before the vaporization takes place. Tanks vary, depending on the type of vaporizer that you choose.
Some vaporizers feature tanks that house both the flower and concentrates. Others can only accommodate one of the two.
In case you buy smaller wax pens, expect to get a tank that you can screw-in. These tanks already come with pre-loaded concentrates.
The Sensor
Another integral part of the vaporizer is the sensor. This is the part that communicates with the atomizer (more on this part later).
Basic vaporizers come with a regular sensor. These are the vape pens that feature a button that you need to push before inhaling. Meanwhile, the more expensive ones don’t require any buttons.
Through the sensor, they turn on automatically whenever you inhale.
The Battery
Of course, your portable vaporizer or e-cig will not work without a lithium-ion battery. The battery is the main source of the power of your vaping pen. It is capable of reaching temperatures as high as 400 degrees F.
Generally, the bigger the battery, the longer it should last. However, if you are a heavy vaper, even a big battery will not last a full day. Nevertheless, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable.
The Atomizer
As for the atomizer, it is the part that the sensor sends signals to. This transfer of signal happens whenever you press the button or inhale the vaping pen. It is a small item that heats liquid e-juice.
This turns the juice into the tiny airborne droplets that you inhale.
To generate heat, the atomizer draws power from the battery. Moreover, it is the sensor that determines the rate of the power the atomizer will pull from the battery.
Some vaporizers use convective heating, while others feature conductive heating technology. We will compare two later, including their pros and cons.
The Mouthpiece
Last but not least is the mouthpiece. This is part where the airflow coming from the tank goes out every time you inhale. This is the part of the vaping pen that directly touches your mouth.
The shapes and sizes of mouthpieces differ depending on the type of vape. Generally, they are detachable. This makes it easier for users to clean them regularly.
The Conduction Type
When searching for the best dry herb vaporizers, there are two types of heating technology that you will encounter: the conduction type and the convection type. A conduction-type vaporizer features direct contact between the heated surface and the herb.
For example, weed vaporizers come with a metal plate where you place the herb on top. Once the plate heats up and reaches the right temperature, the herb will then start to vaporize. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of conduction-type vaporizers.
The Pros
Conduction vapes come with a simple and straightforward design. This makes them easy to operate especially for beginners. Additionally, they are cheaper compared to their convection-type counterparts.
Another advantage is that it burns the herb faster. Because the herb is directly in contact with the metal plate, the former almost instantly vaporizes, yielding immediate results.
The Cons
As for the downsides of conduction heating technology, there is a risk for combustion. This is because of the direct contact between the weed and the metal plate.
Another is the risk of having an uneven distribution of heat. When this happens, you may need to shake the herb a bit before inhaling again. While conduction-type vapes are simple, this challenge of uneven heating may give newbies a hard time enjoying their vape.
The Convection Type
Moving over to convection heating, it doesn’t feature any contact between the herb and a heating plate. Instead, it facilitates heated air to pass over the herb. Once the air reaches the right heated temperature, a fan or the user’s inhalation moves it over the herb.
The Pros
Since there is no direct contact with the herb, the risk of combustion significantly goes down. Moreover, users will get to enjoy more accuracy in temperature control.
Additionally, it gives you a cleaner and smoother hit. There will also be less wastage of herb because of the even heat distribution.
The Cons
On the flip side, vaporizers that feature convection heating are more expensive. This is because of the more sophisticated technology that they use.
Additionally, because of its more complex design, beginners may find it tougher to operate. Moreover, convection-heating vaporizers are not advisable for people who are looking for larger amounts of cloud.
However, regardless of the type of vaporizers you pick, make sure that you buy from reputable sources. This helps ensure not only the performance of the vapes, but also their quality and safety.
Discover More About Vaping
Now that you know how vaporizers work, you can further maximize your vaping sessions. You will also get a better appreciation of its benefits. However, there is a lot more to learn about vaping.
Check out our other articles on vaping. We provide guides on the best liquids and herbs. We also feature some of the best vape pens in the market today.